A year after the brutal killing of 17 Nigerian army personnel in Okuama, Delta State, a prominent academic has voiced deep concerns over the inability of the military and intelligence community to bring the perpetrators to justice. Prof. Sunny Ahwefeada, a member of the World Council of Urhobo Professors, speaking on Channels Television on Friday, described the situation as deeply confusing and lamented the lack of progress in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the heinous crime.
The incident, which occurred on March 14, 2024, shocked the nation and sent shockwaves through the military establishment. On that fateful day, 17 army personnel—comprising the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, a captain, and 12 other soldiers—were brutally murdered in the riverine community of Okuama, located in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. The massacre left the nation reeling and raised serious questions about security and accountability in the region.
Prof. Ahwefeada expressed his bewilderment at the lack of progress in the investigation, emphasizing the urgent need for justice. “We are all confused that one year after, the intelligence community has not been able to make any headway in identifying the real perpetrators of this and bringing them to book. It is quite unfortunate,” he said. His remarks underscored the frustration felt by many Nigerians who expected swift action in the wake of such a brazen attack.
Ahwefeada pointed out that identifying the culprits and holding them accountable would be a crucial step toward achieving closure for the affected community and the families of the slain officers. “We are waiting and hopeful that someday the intelligence community will be able to do the needful so that we can actually know those behind that heinous crime,” he added. His words reflected the collective hope that justice would eventually prevail.
Following the tragedy, the military took control of the riverine community, leading to mass displacement. Many residents fled into the creeks and neighboring areas, leaving their homes and livelihoods behind. The fallen officers were later laid to rest at the Military Cemetery in Abuja, a somber ceremony that brought together grieving families and military officials.
Despite the military’s intervention, the aftermath of the incident has been fraught with challenges. Prof. Ahwefeada raised concerns over the continued detention of Okuama community leaders arrested in the aftermath of the incident. He disclosed that one of the detained leaders, an 80-year-old man, had died in military custody. “These people that were arrested, even if they are considered suspects, should be handed over to the police and be charged to court. As far as we are concerned, in as much as they have not been convicted, they are still innocent, and we feel that they have been held for too long,” he stated.
Ahwefeada noted that the detained individuals had been in custody since August 2024, emphasizing that their prolonged incarceration without trial was a violation of their rights. “They were arrested between 18th and 20th of August; this is March, more than half a year since they were incarcerated. One of them has already died in military detention. These people should be released,” he appealed. His comments highlighted the urgent need for fair treatment and due process for those detained in connection with the incident.
While acknowledging some government interventions, including the establishment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, Ahwefeada argued that the military’s internal investigative panel could not be impartial in probing its own case. He therefore called for an independent commission of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the killings and ensure justice is served. “We need a neutral body to investigate this matter comprehensively. This will help in bringing closure to the affected families and the Okuama community,” he stated.
Ahwefeada’s call for an independent inquiry reflects growing concerns over the military’s handling of the investigation. Many Nigerians have questioned the effectiveness and impartiality of the military’s internal processes, particularly in cases involving civilian communities. An independent commission, composed of impartial experts and stakeholders, could provide a more transparent and credible investigation.
The unresolved case of the Okuama killings highlights broader issues in Nigeria’s security architecture. The inability to identify and apprehend the perpetrators within a year raises serious questions about the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and law enforcement in the region. It also underscores the need for enhanced coordination between military and civilian authorities to address security challenges effectively.
Prof. Ahwefeada’s concerns resonate with the wider public, who are increasingly skeptical of the government’s ability to deliver justice and security. The prolonged detention of suspects without trial and the lack of progress in the investigation have fueled frustration and mistrust among the populace.
As the nation marks the first anniversary of the tragedy, the need for accountability and justice remains paramount. Prof. Ahwefeada’s call for an independent inquiry serves as a rallying point for those advocating for transparency and fairness in the investigation. The affected families and the Okuama community deserve closure and justice, and it is imperative that the government responds to these demands with urgency.
The incident in Okuama has become a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to addressing security challenges and ensuring accountability. The government must act swiftly to address the concerns raised by Prof. Ahwefeada and others, ensuring that justice is served and that the rights of all parties involved are protected.
For now, the Okuama community and the families of the slain officers wait anxiously for answers. As Prof. Ahwefeada aptly put it, “We are waiting and hopeful that someday the intelligence community will be able to do the needful so that we can actually know those behind that heinous crime.” The nation watches with bated breath, hoping that justice will ultimately prevail.
